Questions

Ophthalmology FAQs: answers before you ask

These ophthalmology FAQs give short answers on appointments, fees, cataract surgery and retinal treatment. Still unsure? Call my practice on 07438 437366 and I will talk it through with you.

Appointments and referrals

Do I need a GP referral to see an ophthalmologist privately?

No. You can contact me directly as a self-pay patient. Some insurers ask for a GP or Optometrist referral, so check your policy first. A letter from your GP can still be useful, as it shares your medical history.

Will I speak to Miss Mall directly?

Yes. There is no call centre or switchboard, so calls and emails come straight to my own practice. Call 07438 437366 or email enquiries@soniamall.co.uk, and I aim to reply within 24 hours.

Where can I be seen?

At Nuffield Health Woking, The Runnymede Hospital in Chertsey, Mount Alvernia Hospital in Guildford and VISIO Health near High Wycombe.

Fees and insurance

How much is a consultation?

A new consultation is £260 and a follow-up is £195 (fees may vary slightly by hospital). Surgery and procedures are quoted after I have assessed your eyes, and finance is available through the hospitals.

How much does private cataract surgery cost?

Each hospital gives you a package price once I have assessed your eyes and you and I have agreed a plan, and finance can spread the cost. Ask each hospital what the package includes before you decide.

Which insurers do you work with?

I am recognised by most major UK insurers, including Bupa (fee assured), AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Cigna, Aetna, Allianz, The Exeter, General & Medical, Healix, Saga and Benenden. Whichever insurer you have, check that your policy covers the consultation and any surgery, and whether you need a referral. I will help with the pre-authorisation paperwork before surgery.

Cataract surgery

Is cataract surgery painful?

Your eye is anaesthetised with anaesthetic drops just before surgery, with more anaesthetic during the operation and a block if needed, and I talk you through each step. If you are very anxious, sedation can be arranged.

Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?

Possibly; it depends on the lens. A standard monofocal lens gives clear vision at one distance, so you may still need reading glasses. Premium lens implants may reduce how often you need glasses, but each type has trade-offs that I will explain.

Can both eyes be treated?

Yes, if both eyes have cataracts, but they are treated on separate days, as the NHS guide to cataract surgery explains.

When can I drive after cataract surgery?

I normally suggest waiting 2 weeks. Legally, you must meet the DVLA eyesight standard, which includes reading a number plate from 20 metres, as the GOV.UK driving eyesight rules set out. Never drive yourself home on the day of surgery.

My vision is cloudy again after cataract surgery. What can help?

The capsule holding your new lens can turn cloudy, which is called posterior capsule opacification. A YAG laser capsulotomy makes an opening in the cloudy capsule, and vision usually improves straight away.

Medical Retina

Do intravitreal injections hurt?

The eye is anaesthetised first. The injection is usually painless, though you may feel some pressure. I use anti-VEGF and steroid treatments for wet AMD, diabetic maculopathy and vein occlusion.

Is there treatment for macular degeneration?

Wet AMD is treated with a course of anti-VEGF injections into the eye. There is currently no treatment for dry AMD, but support is available, including help with low vision.

How do I use the Amsler grid?

Wear your reading glasses (not varifocals), hold the grid about 30 cm away, cover one eye and look at the central dot. If lines look wavy, blurred or broken, contact my practice.

What does diabetic retinopathy treatment involve?

It depends on the stage. Some people need regular monitoring, while others need injections into the eye or laser. I treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy and diabetic maculopathy.

Eyelids, Glaucoma and urgent symptoms

Can a chalazion go away on its own?

Many are managed without surgery, with warm compresses and lid hygiene, plus antibiotics if one becomes infected. If it does not settle, I can remove it with a short procedure under local anaesthetic.

What helps dry eyes and blepharitis?

Cleaning your eyelids every day, warm compresses, lubricating eye drops and regular screen breaks are the usual first steps. If your symptoms do not resolve enough, I can look for the cause and suggest further treatment.

Is Glaucoma treated with eye drops?

Usually, yes. I manage Glaucoma medically, with pressure-lowering eye drops and regular checks of the optic nerve; I do not perform Glaucoma surgery.

When are floaters and flashes an emergency?

Call NHS 111 the same day if floaters or flashes are new or sudden, increase suddenly, or come with a dark curtain or shadow across your vision, as the NHS guide to floaters and flashes explains.

Speak to me directly

A direct line to your surgeon, before and after surgery

There is no call centre or switchboard. Call my practice on 07438 437366, email enquiries@soniamall.co.uk or request an appointment online, and I aim to reply within 24 hours.